Finally got a squarebody...for my daughter

[germando]

Just wanted to say hi from Texas, I just purchased a 1973 sierra grande longbed 454 for my daughter. She is 14 so I have time to get the truck nice and purdy. Truck has 193k original miles and I am super stoked to get a new project that the wife approves of O_O. Truck is solid and runs and drives good. Only thing i was told that i had to do was to put and AC system in it(wife) and a different radio(daughter) as it is AM only.

Currently plans are to pull the 454/th400 and rebuild them, covert the rear to disc brakes, fix the 3 spots of rust above the rear wheels and drivers door. The start on restoring the interior. I am very open to any suggestions and ideas, especially if someone know a good complete AC system that works well.

Side note the wife did say that whatever I do to the truck do it as if it was mine. so during engine rebuilding it has a good chance of getting bored 30 over and a good single plane intake and a carb upgrade to 750 and maybe a mild cam to wake up the torque in the motor.

I have been reading as much as i can and i believe the 73 still had the high nickel block and steel crank in can anyone confirm this. I will know more once i get the engine out and stripped hoping for some of those 049 heads

I tend to ramble but Hey everyone

G

 

[WFO]

Welcome from up in the Panhandle.

 

[SquareRoot]

Welcome. For starters, this forum deals in photos. No photos....well you know. Add a pic and you won't be able to handle all the advice that will generate. Just sayin..

 

[Old77]

Welcome to the site, man Let's see some pics of the truck

 

[germando]

No problem guys here are a couple pics for you

G

 

[FireTruck1984]

No problem guys here are a couple pics for you

G

Love it ! Welcome from the Motor City !
And it’s a C1500 not a C15
You are graciously forgiven. Welcome my GMC Brother !

A tip O’ the Hat to you good sir…

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[Old77]

Nice rig!!!

 

[SquareRoot]

No problem guys here are a couple pics for you

G

That's what I'm talking about. Looks like a solid truck. Your plan sounds good except for the single plane intake. Unless your using an EFI dry manifold you will be much happier with a good dual plane like the Performer RPM for a daily driver.

 

[Soundmound]

Welcome from the PNW! Clean start to the project!

 

[Snoots]

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[WebMonkey]

sweet!

just my humble opinion;
rear disc could be the last thing on your 'to do' list.

those drums will be more than fine, especially with an unloaded LONG bed.

 

[germando]

Thanks for the encouragement and replies, dual plane will be the way to go (edelbrock performer air gap looks good), i am used to using single plane intakes on the strokers i have done in the past. I agree the drum brakes will stop it fine i just hate hate replacing brake shoes lol.

G

 

[animal]

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from Ohio. Nice truck!! I'm with @SquareRoot. You will get much better driveability with a dual plane intake.

 

[Randy and Easton]

Welcome from DFW Texas! My son bought his at 14 and loves it and the project (now 17)

May we suggest vintage air for the AC system. It’s made right here in good ole San Antonio and has the best customer service/support for us DIY folks… turn key system that works flawlessly for less than 2K last I checked. We are just a couple of shade tree mechanics and we did the AC in just a few days over thanksgiving.

Randy and Easton

www.vintageair.com